Commission approves signage changes at 36 East Lincoln with conditions on lettering and blade sign

The Italian Village Commission on May 13 approved a certificate of appropriateness for storefront signage and awnings at 36 East Lincoln Street (COA 2500383), subject to conditions that remove menu text from awnings, limit signage types, and alter the awning scallop profile.

Staff presented the application as a request to install three large awnings with a decorative valance, a projecting blade sign, wall-mounted balance signage, and to update an existing lighted blade sign face. Staff recommended limiting text on awnings to the business name/address and using appropriate canvas or vinyl materials anchored to the building; staff also recommended that the blade sign face be constructed of high-density urethane and that corporate logos be avoided on awnings. Commissioners and the applicant discussed visibility issues caused by street trees, whether the blade sign should remain, and the appropriateness of menu item listings on awnings.

The applicant, represented by Derek Holder, agreed to remove menu-item text from the awnings and to use a less pronounced scallop on the awning valances. Commissioners debated whether to retain the projecting blade sign and ultimately adopted a motion that removed lettering from the awning balance, required a gentler scallop than the initial rendering, and removed the blade sign (leaving other approved signage elements). The motion passed unanimously. The commission noted the property’s corner location and pedestrian orientation but emphasized that text on awnings should be limited per design guidelines. Staff will document final materials and ensure the blade sign face is constructed per prior guidance before issuing the COA.